Seeing stray or abandoned dogs on the streets has become all too common lately. While some people cannot keep their pets and take them to shelters in hopes of finding a better home, many abandon their dogs, subjecting them to harsh circumstances before leaving them on the streets.
What’s In The Bag
On an ordinary day, Scott Lockard, heading to work at the Oklahoma Humane Society, noticed a black bag tied to the door handle of the center. Upon inspecting the bag, he found a small brown dog inside. While this was not a new scenario for Scott since he had seen similar situations before, he was still saddened.
This wasn’t the first time I have arrived at the adoption center to find animals waiting there, so I can’t say I was super surprised. I was happy to get her in and fed and watered, so I was mostly just thinking about getting the little dog comfortable.
After welcoming the dog in, Scott learned she was a bit shy and reserved but otherwise healthy. He also checked the bag for any notes from the person who abandoned her and found a message that read: Her name is Maris, find her a good home. It’s heart-wrenching because it seems the person had good intentions and just wanted to help the dog when they could no longer care for her.
A Growing Problem
The humane society decided to raise awareness about the growing number of abandoned dogs by sharing Maris’s story. Marketing manager Roshelle Anderson explained to The Dodo, We didn’t post the photo to specifically call out the people who left the pet, but rather, to bring attention to a greater problem facing our community. Currently, the center is struggling with a significant issue regarding adoptions, as the number of abandoned dogs continues to rise while adoptions do not keep pace, straining resources.
The center appeals to anyone who can help by considering adopting a dog and giving them a new home.
As for Maris, she is still patiently waiting for someone to adopt her. Given her sweet nature, we remain hopeful that a loving home is just around the corner.
